​​​​​​​Parliament Finally Yields to Constitutional Court Ruling: End of Regional Election Law Controversy

After facing widespread criticism and triggering demonstrations across the country, the Indonesian Parliament (DPR) has finally decided to comply with the Constitutional Court (MK) ruling on the revised Regional Election Law. This decision ends a polemic that threatened the nation's constitutional stability.

The controversy began when the Constitutional Court issued a ruling on August 20, 2024, revising several crucial provisions in the Regional Election Law. This ruling significantly differed from both the existing Law 10/2016 on Regional Elections and the proposed changes discussed in the Legislative Body (Baleg) meeting of the DPR and DPD on August 21, 2024.

Notable differences in regional leadership candidacy requirements include:

1. Minimum age: All versions set 30 years, but the MK and current law specify this at the time of nomination, while the DPR planned it for inauguration.

2. Party support:
   - Current law: Minimum 20% of local parliament seats or 25% of valid votes.
   - MK ruling: Varying 6.5% - 10% of valid votes, depending on the number of voters.
   - DPR plan: Return to minimum 20% of seats or 25% of valid votes.

3. Special provision: MK ruled that party support requirements only apply to parties without local parliament seats.

Legal expert Titi Anggraini warned that deviating from the MK's decision would lead to chaos in the 2024 regional elections. Meanwhile, Bivitri Susanti cautioned against different interpretations of the MK's progressive ruling.

The DPR's decision to ultimately follow the MK's ruling is seen as a wise step respecting the constitution, particularly Article 24C of the 1945 Constitution, which affirms the final nature of MK decisions. This move is expected to ensure legal certainty and restore public trust in the local democratic process.

The public now awaits the implementation of these new rules in upcoming regional elections, hoping they will result in higher quality and more representative local leaders."